Critic of White House Faith-Based Office Joins Task Force on Reforming It

faith based initiatives

This office was started to give the far right evangelical christians a foot in the white house and a direct line to the president. I believe that the case for this office to be declared unconstitutional is strong, but even if technically legal, the line between church and state is clearly being crossed, and it should be shut down. Less clear is the tax deduction we get for helping our churches, which in effect makes those opposed to these churches back them financially. This is about as close as I'm comfortable with these two entities being to one another.

In the tent

As we talk about 'change', it is refreshing to see that this administration is not afraid of inviting critics into the tent, that this administration is willing to open itself up to thoughtful and well-meaning criticism. And, just as important, that Reverend Gaddy, who brings such extraordinary experience and expertise, is willing to to be that seasoned and reasoned voice.

As Tony Kushner said, in his ending to "Angels in America"..."the world only moves forward..."

Pastor Gaddy

is right that organizations such as Catholic Charities and Lutheran Social Services can do a good job with government money and not be a constitutional problem. That is because those two particular outfits are strictly social service organizations that provide services to poor and elderly people without an emphasis on ideological ministry.

That ought to be the model, period.

Chickens beware

That a critic of faith-based organizations

Has been added to a "reformative" task group

Suggests that Obama is aware of the consequences

Of putting a fox in the chicken coop!